US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began their critical summit in Washington on Monday, marking their second face-to-face meeting since Trump's January inauguration. The high-stakes talks come amid escalating regional tensions with Iran, ongoing hostage negotiations, and fresh economic friction after Trump's surprise 17% tariff announcement targeting Israeli imports. The White House announced the cancellation of the previously scheduled joint press conference, stating that both leaders will instead deliver statements directly from the Oval Office.
Netanyahu arrived in Washington following his diplomatic visit to Hungary. While his delegation has been sparing with details about the meeting agenda beyond initial statements, analysts believe that Trump's ultimatum to Iran will dominate discussions – taking precedence even over the recently announced 17% tariffs on Israeli goods that sent shockwaves through bilateral economic relations last week.
The high-level talks are also expected to address strategies for securing the release of remaining hostages and the evolving situation in the Gaza Strip. Following the White House meeting, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Vice President JD Vance later in the day.
Earlier Monday, the prime minister held preliminary discussions at Blair House in Washington with Steve Witkoff, the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East.
In a parallel development, reports indicate that Hamas will today receive the American proposal aimed at advancing a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip in exchange for hostage releases. The proposal, which Israel Hayom detailed last week, builds upon a previous Egyptian framework and features accelerated hostage release timelines paired with more favorable terms for releasing prisoners, alongside provisions for continuing negotiations on subsequent phases of the agreement.
